- #5 of 70
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Not wild about the changes I've seen...
by dovid2
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Mar 20, 2008 (9:29 am)
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http://www.topspeed.com/cars/kia/2009-kia-optima-ar54307/picture239225-0.html
I liked the large clear taillights and the flat instrumentation. Stability package is still optional. The front looks like the late, unlamented Ford Five Hundred, the tail like the last-gen Accord.
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- #6 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by backy
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Mar 20, 2008 (9:56 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 20, 2008 9:29 am)
I'm not impressed by what I'm seeing of the 2009 Optima. The revised I4, which matches what's in the Sonata and is now on par for the class, is a nice change, but I don't see anything special here. One of the things I liked about the Optima was that it was a little smaller than most mid-sizers, including the Sonata--now it's about the same size outside as the Sonata, and probably weighs more for 2009 as a result.
190 hp for the tweaked V6?? Why bother? Why would anyone buy one, at a premium, compared to the very nice 175 hp I4? 
And ABS is still an option!! (ESC too of course) That is inexcusable for a mid-sized sedan refreshed for 2009. 
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- #7 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [backy]
by dovid2
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Mar 21, 2008 (8:39 am)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 20, 2008 9:56 am)
The more I've thought about it, the less I like it. While I had looked forward to getting one whenever I finally decide to buy, I now doubt if it will be an Optima. I've never owned a Ford product, but I really liked the Mercury Milan I saw at the car show, and if they will throw in an extended warranty, I might do it. It comes in a Premiere trim with a four and is very attractive and has good reviews.
Maybe the Optima will look better in black. I'm not in any hurry, so I'll wait and see.
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- #8 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by backy
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Mar 21, 2008 (8:56 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 21, 2008 8:39 am)
What it does is open up an opportunity for me late this year, when I will buy a car, to get one of the last 2008 Optimas (LX, with ESC/ABS and the mandatory Appearance pkg) at a big "close out" discount, maybe at the same price as a smaller car like the Elantra and less than a comparably-equipped 2009 Sonata.
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- #9 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [backy]
by dovid2
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Mar 21, 2008 (11:27 am)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 21, 2008 8:56 am)
And that's a good idea, but I know exactly what I want, and I'm not optimistic about finding it when the '08's have been picked over. That's why I think a larger company would have more selection than Kia seems to have.
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- #10 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by backy
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Mar 21, 2008 (11:35 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 21, 2008 11:27 am)
Well, I don't know that I'll find an Optima I want at that time either. At the end of last year, there were two 2007 Optima LXes with ABS/ESC in the five-state region around me. But it IS an option. Multiple options are good. And makes for a firmer negotiating position. 
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- #11 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [backy]
by dovid2
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Mar 24, 2008 (8:34 am)
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Replying to: backy (Mar 21, 2008 11:35 am)
As far as multiple options, of course I would look at competing models. And, if I found one I liked, would be sure to tell them I was looking at other brands (and that they had offered me a great deal!).
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- #12 of 70
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Re: Not wild about the changes I've seen... [dovid2]
by mickeyrom
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Mar 24, 2008 (9:36 am)
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Replying to: dovid2 (Mar 24, 2008 8:34 am)
I really do like the 2009 model better.The whole front as well as the tail lights,look much more attractive.I have not seen the interior.
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- #13 of 70
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09 Optima....eeeh..
by csandste
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Mar 24, 2008 (10:07 pm)
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Like many Hyunkia mid platform adjustments, neither bad nor good. I agree that the front clip looks a bit Ford-like. Instrument cluster looks a bit Malibu-ish. Really like my semi-electroluminescent blue on white instruments quite a bit better, including having electronic gas and termperature indicators rather than the old style needles. And that red is so Mazda-Pontiacish...
Frankly the more time that elapses, the more I prefer my Malibu Maxx to my 07 Optima. My wife on the other hand prefers the Kia.
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- #14 of 70
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Re: 09 Optima....eeeh.. [csandste]
by mickeyrom
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Mar 25, 2008 (4:02 am)
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Replying to: csandste (Mar 24, 2008 10:07 pm)
CS....you always did have a love affair with your Max..I have never driven one,but the Malibu looks pretty nice and even the low end model comes with lots of options as standard equipment.The only remaining issue I have with my Optima is the ride over bumps. Not too smooth at all.The Accord sure seems more substantial,but of course you pay for it.
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